Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has praised the contribution made to the gsme by former Barcelona rival Carlos Puyol, who has announced he is to leave the Nou Camp at the end of the current season.
Ronaldo, who faced the diminutive Spaniard many times in his Real Madrid career, says that Barca are losing one of the all time greats and even likened him to a legendary fellow Spanish international.
“His status at Barcelona is like Hierro’s at Real madrid, he’s a club icon.” Ronaldo told Marca.
“He has always been very loyal and polite, He is a role model. Puyol is an embodiment of fair play in football.”
“Puyol was a pain to try to get past on the pitch.”
A World Cup winner and Barcelona club captain for many years, Puyol has made over 600 appearances for the Catalan side over a 15 year period.
